Now Commenting On:

Fredi, Freddie ejected in separate incidents

Fredi, Freddie ejected in separate incidents

8/8/11: Freddie Freeman is ejected by umpire Hunter Wendelstedt in the top of the eighth inning

By Mark Bowman
/
MLB.com |

MIAMI -- Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez and first baseman Freddie Freeman are pretty mild-mannered. But both managed to irk veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt during Monday night's 8-5 win over the Marlins at Sun Life Stadium.

Wendelstedt handed Gonzalez his third ejection of the season after Atlanta's manager objected to a pitch thrown by his starter, Derek Lowe, in the fourth inning. After attempting to check his swing to end the top of the eighth, Freeman received what he said was his first ejection from a sporting event in his life.

"It happened so fast and I did go," Freeman said. "The only thing I asked him was, 'Did I check?'"

After briefly objecting, Freeman started walking with his back toward the plate. When he slammed his helmet, Wendelstedt pointed toward him, seemingly issuing an equipment fine. After the rookie first baseman slammed his bat, he was ejected.

"As I walking, I didn't throw my helmet down, I just tossed it to the dugout and he warned me after that," Freeman said. "I'm not even [a left-handed thrower] and I kind of just tossed my bat with my left hand and he threw me out. I couldn't believe it. I've seen a lot worse. But it was one of those nights and he tossed me out."

Initially, it did not appear Freeman knew he had been ejected. When he walked back toward the plate to argue, bench coach Carlos Tosca and first-base coach Terry Pendleton separated him from Wendelstedt.

Eric Hinske replaced Freeman at first base.

Gonzalez's ejection proved to be even less animated than Freeman's.

After Lowe attempted to paint the inside corner with a pitch to Marlins outfielder Bryan Petersen, Wendelstedt -- who called the pitch a ball -- looked toward the Braves' dugout and ejected Gonzalez, who then walked toward the plate for a brief and subdued argument.